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Science News for July 24, 2014


Pesticide linked to 3 generations of disease

A study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral exposure to the pesticide methoxychlor can lead to adult-onset diseases like kidney disease and obesity in future generations. The researchers discovered epigenetic changes caused by methoxychlor exposure, which were transmitted through the female line and affected gene expression.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2014

NYSCF scientists one step closer to cell therapy for multiple sclerosis patients

Researchers at The New York Stem Cell Foundation have developed a new protocol to induce pluripotent stem cells into oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells implicated in multiple sclerosis. This accelerated approach cuts production time almost in half, enabling researchers to study disease progression and develop potential treatments.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 24, 2014

Noise pollution impacts fish species differently

A new study found that different fish species respond uniquely to noise pollution, with three-spined sticklebacks reacting faster to sound when a predator is present. This discovery highlights the need for targeted management of noise in marine environments to mitigate its effects on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2014

Link between ritual circumcision procedure and herpes infection in infants examined

A literature review found that metzitzah b'peh, a Jewish circumcision procedure involving oral suction, is likely a source of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) transmissions in infants. The practice has been linked to severe morbidity and potentially death in newborns, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateJul 24, 2014

Election surprises tend to erode trust in government

A new study from the University of Georgia found that people who were surprised by election outcomes are more skeptical of government and democracy. The study suggests that media fragmentation can lead to hearing only what individuals want to hear, eroding trust in elections and government.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateJul 24, 2014

New research: When it hurts to think we were made for each other

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that people who think of love as perfect unity have worse relationships than those who view it as a journey. Recalling conflicts with the unity frame in mind leads to less relationship satisfaction, while recalling celebrations has the opposite effect.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 24, 2014

Unleashing the power of quantum dot triplets

Researchers have discovered a way to control quantum dot triplets using electrical impulses, which could lead to faster quantum computers. The study shows that changing the coupling of three coherently coupled quantum dots can induce a phase transition between entangled and disentangled electron states.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 24, 2014

Study shows role of media in sharing life events

A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that nearly 70% of social sharing took place via media, with participants preferring texting and Twitter for positive events. However, sharing negative news led to increased feelings of sadness and anxiety, highlighting the importance of considering emotional well-being when sh...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 24, 2014

Immune response may cause harm in brain injuries, disorders

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that the immune system's response to protein S100B may contribute to memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction associated with conditions like chronic epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that treatments targeting this autoimmune response could help alleviate symptoms.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2014

Experiences at every stage of life contribute to cognitive abilities in old age

A recent study published by researchers from UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center and the University of Victoria found that early life experiences, such as childhood socioeconomic status and literacy, have a greater influence on the risk of cognitive impairment late in life than demographic characteristics like race and ethnicity. The s...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neuropsychology·DateJul 24, 2014

The microbes make the sake brewery

A study by the University of California, Davis, investigated a single-species inoculation in a sake brewery, finding that environmental surfaces harbor similar microbiota as added microorganisms. The microbial populations change dramatically across fermentation stages, with Aspergillus oryzae dominating the process.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 24, 2014

It takes two to court

Stowers researchers identified two classes of pheromone receptors that help male mice detect female presence and ovulation, essential for triggering the mating process. The findings provide new insight into how the mammalian brain processes sensory information like pheromones to elicit courtship behaviors.

Warning: Birthdays can be bad for your health

Researchers found a significant increase in hospital admissions among young Ontarians during their 19th birthday week, with spikes also observed at other ages. Birthday-related drinking was associated with upsurges in hospital admissions, particularly for alcohol-related events.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJul 24, 2014

New approach to form non-equilibrium structures

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique to create non-equilibrium systems by injecting energy through oscillations, enabling the self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the fundamentals of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2014

Antioxidant biomaterial promotes healing

Northwestern University professor Guillermo Ameer's team created a biodegradable, antioxidant biomaterial that reduces scarring and heals diabetic ulcers. The material is made from citric acid and vitamin C, and has potential applications in tissue engineering, medical device coating, and regenerative medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 24, 2014

New research suggests Saharan dust is key to the formation of Bahamas' Great Bank

Researchers from the University of Miami found that iron-rich Saharan dust provides nutrients for specialized bacteria producing carbonate-based foundation. The study suggests that high concentrations of iron-rich dust blown across the Atlantic Ocean are responsible for the formation of the Great Bahama Bank.

Test helps predict which children with kidney disease will respond to standard therapy

A genetic screening test can predict which children with one of the most common childhood kidney diseases will respond to standard therapies, guiding treatment and improving clinical outcomes. The test was found to be more predictive than a kidney biopsy in identifying non-responders to immunosuppressive treatments.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 24, 2014

Background TV can be bad for kids

A University of Iowa study found that background TV can divert children's attention from play and learning, negatively affecting cognitive development. Parents who create a loving and nurturing environment with set rules and expectations can help buffer these impacts.

NRG1 isoforms could be an effective therapeutic candidate to promote peripheral nerve regeneration

Researchers at the University of Western Australia discovered that soluble NRG1 plays a role in early peripheral nerve regeneration phases, promoting axon degeneration and regrowth. Soluble NRG1, already used in human trials for heart failure treatment, may be an effective therapeutic candidate to promote nerve regeneration.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 24, 2014

Four-billion-year-old chemistry in cells today

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have found that cells in plants, yeast, and animals continue to perform reactions thought to be responsible for life's origin four billion years ago. These reactions involve iron, sulfur, and electro-chemistry, essential for functions like respiration and photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2014

Choice bias: A quirky byproduct of learning from reward

Researchers discovered a link between credit assignment and choice bias, finding that people value rewards they choose more than equivalent rewards not chosen. The study used computational modeling and behavioral experiments to test the hypothesis, and found evidence supporting the proposed biological mechanism.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 24, 2014

Hubble finds 3 surprisingly dry exoplanets

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope found three 'hot Jupiters' with significantly lower than expected water vapor levels, challenging current theories on planet formation and migration. The discovery may require instruments to be designed with higher sensitivity for future space telescopes searching for water in potentially...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 24, 2014

Shift work linked to heightened risk of type 2 diabetes

Research suggests that shift work is associated with a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly among men and those working rotating shift patterns. The study found a 37% increased risk for men and a 9% increased risk for all participants compared to working normal office hours.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 24, 2014